Category: News

Dermal fillers continue to be one of the most popular aesthetic treatments available in the UK. Designed to address a loss of volume, they often accompany anti-wrinkle injections as being one of the most in-demand anti-ageing treatments on the market.

However, because of their popularity, the market has been flooded with a number of different filler brands in the UK – at the moment, there are around 160 different fillers available. This can make it incredibly difficult to decide which treatment would be the best for you.

Types of dermal fillers

There are two main types of dermal fillers – permanent fillers and temporary fillers. As the name suggests, permanent fillers are long-lasting however their results can be wildly unpredictable. This is due to the variety of active ingredients which they contain.

Temporary fillers are primarily made with collagen or hyaluronic acid (which hyaluronic acid being the most popular ingredient). Hyaluronic acid is a natural sugar which is found within the skin and can retain moisture levels.

When fillers containing hyaluronic acid are injected under the skin they can provide a lift and added volume, whilst also smoothing out wrinkles. The longetivity of the results can vary depending on the type of filler used, but can range anywhere from 6-18 months.

Before treatment

The first step to take when you decide to have dermal filler treatment is choosing the right aesthetic practitioner. Non-surgical procedures such as dermal fillers are not regulated within the UK – this means unregulated practitioners can perform treatments. You should always seek treatment from a registered, qualified medical practitioner. To help, we’ve put together a guide on how to choose an aesthetic practitioner.

Before having any treatment you should first of all have a consultation with your practitioner. The consultation gives the practitioner an opportunity to make sure the treatment is suitable for you, go over your medical history and to advise which type of filler would be best to achieve your desired result. It also gives you the chance to ask the practitioner any questions regarding the treatment and to see the environment in which the treatment will take place.

At the consultation you should always asked what type and brand of filler the practitioner is using, and ensure that you are happy with this.

During treatment

When it comes to having the actual treatment, your practitioner will apply a local anaesthetic cream to the area to make the treatment more comfortable. Juvéderm fillers also contain lidocaine, which is a numbing lotion – further increasing the comfort of treatment. The practitioner will then make a series of small injections and gently massage the area to make sure the filler is spread evenly.

After treatment

You’ll be able to notice some results immediately following treatment. Depending on the type of filler used, the results will last between 6-18 months (the new Juvéderm Vycross range boasts the longest lasting results of a temporary hyaluronic filler).

Your practitioner will always provide you with aftercare advice. Immediately following treatment you might find that the area is a little bit tender and swollen. This will usually last for around a day. You might also have some slight bruising, depending on the amount of filler used, your skin type and the area in which the filler is injected. This should go down within the first three days.

If you’re interested in finding out more about dermal fillers, and having consultation with one of our medical practitioners, either book online or contact the Manchester City Centre clinic on 0161 839 7663.

Laser hair removal is a revolutionary treatment that’s popularity continues to soar. Year on year there is an increase in the number of people forgoing shaving and waxing, and opting to undergo laser hair removal treatment. However, if the treatment is performed in an improper environment, with inefficient technology or by an inexperienced, unqualified practitioner, the risks of laser hair removal can be high.

Last month, author Marian Keyes revealed how she put her life at risk after laser hair removal treatment by applying an anaesthetic cream she purchased online. After experiencing a painful treatment, she covered her legs in the cream and wrapped them in cling film before boarding a flight. The highly dangerous self-treatment almost resulted in ‘anaesthetic toxicity’ – a life threatening overdose. Whilst the use of anaesthetic cream in itself is not dangerous, using too much can be. Likewise, by using cling film, Marian Keyes increased how much of the cream was absorbed

Typically laser hair removal isn’t a painful experience. Instead many patients describe it as being uncomfortable – similar to an elastic band pinging against the skin. Advances in technology have further increased the comfort of the treatment. At Skin Medical we use the Lightsheer Diode system, which has a cool tip for increased comfort. This means the heat exchange between the laser and the skin is controlled.

Following treatment, patients should always receive appropriate aftercare advice. Unfortunately, within the industry, this isn’t always the case. Suitable aftercare advice in Marian’s case would have avoided the dangerous, life-threatening scenario she encountered. At Skin Medical we provide written aftercare advice and always cool the area which has been treated in clinic. We make sure to allocate time for this as part of the appointment. We also have a range of products which are suitable for applying to the area after treatment, to encourage the area to cool and to increase comfort. We’re also Care Quality Commission (CQC) Registered, which means our clinics are approved and monitored by the CQC.

The advantage of visiting medical practitioners is that they are able to offer medical advice – which in Marian’s case was essential. Laser hair removal is often trivialised as a treatment similar to waxing. But it’s important to remember that the risks involved are real, and can only be controlled properly if the practitioner is suitable qualified and experienced, the technology is sufficient and the environment is suitable.

You can find more information about laser hair removal at Skin Medical here. If you’d like to book in for a free consultation with one of our experienced medical practitioners, you can book online or contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663.

2016 will see a whole new range of both surgical and non-surgical procedures coming onto the market. A report by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery claims that due to social media making patients more aware of their looks, 1 in 3 practitioners have seen a rise in demand for plastic surgical.

One of the new non-surgical procedures entering the market is known as Kybella, a treatment that The Sun claims will “do for double chins what Botox has done for wrinkles.” Kybella is made of deoxycholic acid which dissolves fat and breaks it down into small particles which are then absorbed by the body. It’s an FDA approved treatment and has been suggested for use on small areas of flab like double chins – however it may also be useful for fat around the knees or the fold around the bra line. It should be available in the UK later this year, although as of yet a launch date hasn’t been confirmed.

Another popular procedure this year is expected to be labia lipo. Due to fashion trends leaning towards tighter clothing and the increase in the popularity of exercise clothes – driving a new trend known as ‘athleisure wear’- women are wanting to remove extra for from the area. As the demand for this surgery is increasing, new non-surgical alternatives are also being developed. One such alternative is the MonaLisa Touch – which involves laser treatment inside the vagina to stimulate collagen production.

Meanwhile the demand for breast enhancements took a dip in 2014 with 23% fewer procedures being performed, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). There has been an increased demand for a more natural look using smaller implants instead, to give a little bit of a boost. One London clinic has began to offer B-lite implants which are filled with silicate (a silicone gel), making them light than others. However it could be a couple more years until these implants become widely available.

Subtle procedures are expected to continue to be popular throughout 2016. In one study it was found that 72% of Brits who are considering a cosmetic procedure wanted minor results that only they will notice. Many women want to avoid going under the knife altogether, which is why there is a constant evolution of non-surgical facelifts and other procedures. PDO threads lifts are increasing in popularity, and are one of the exciting new treatments available now at Skin Medical. Thread lifts have been dubbed a non-surgical facelift, in which the facial area is numbed using a local anaesthetic before dissolvable threads are injected to lift certain areas of the face.

2016 is set to be an exciting year for surgical and non-surgical aesthetic treatments.

For many teenagers, acne is the bane of their life. At a time when hormones come into play it can have a detrimental effect on confidence – especially when it comes to dating.

The only reassurance is that if you suffer from acne you are not alone. Up to 80% of people suffer from acne at some point throughout their teenage years. The degree to which people can suffer varies greatly. For some it is a handful of vicious spots, where as for other it is more cystic in nature. Either way it can greatly impact on self-confidence, as one sufferer recalls: “I always had spots but I never really felt bad because all of my friends did too. I didn’t have really bad acne like some people have but I did try a lot of things to get rid of it. It gets harder as you get older. I became really self-conscious because there was no way of hiding it.”

Common misconceptions about acne only worsen the negative impact it can have. Many falsely believe that acne is caused by poor hygiene or from eating certain foods such as chocolate. In reality the cause of acne is more biological in nature. Hormones definitely have an impact, with hormonal changes acting as a trigger. It is also believed that there may be a genetic link, meaning that those whose parents were acne sufferers are more likely to be similarly affected.

For many, the immediate response is to begin using a range of over-the-counter products, which often have little (if any) affect. The next step is usually a visit to a GP. Many girls turn to the contraceptive pill in an effort to control their acne, which can stabilise hormones. However this isn’t an option for male sufferers.

Doctors will usually turn to antibiotics to treat acne. Low-dose medications target the bacteria within the acne, however visible improvement does not happen overnight – it can take anywhere from eight weeks to begin the notice the impact, and courses are usually a minimum of six months. Side-effects and reactions can also happen. The limited effectiveness of antibiotic treatments usually leaves acne sufferers feeling like there is no solution.

Breakthroughs in technology, however, have introduced a revolutionary new treatment. N-lite acne laser has been found in trials to significantly improve the appearance of acne in comparison to those who received the dummy treatment. The results were particularly evident within the first month of treatment.

Nurse Helen Smith explains “the pulsed dye laser [N-lite laser] helps destroy the bacteria in p.acne. After treatment we always advise on which prescriptive skincare products to use to maintain the results.” Products such as the Jan Marini and Obagi range are usually used in combination with the treatment, to achieve and maintain and acne-free appearance.

N-lite acne laser treatment can effectively treat both teenage and adult acne. The treatment itself is relatively simple, and lasts around 20-30 minutes. It involves the passing of the laser over the full area for treatment. The treatment itself is much more comfortable than you would expect, with many patients reporting that the treatment is reasonable painless. Instead it feels like a small pinch – not at all painful.

Treatments are typically performed 2 weeks apart, and most patients require around 3 treatments. It effective treats active acne without leaving unsightly scars. Prior to undergoing any treatment, patients will always have a tailored skin consultation with one of our expert medical practitioners, who can design a treatment plan according to patient needs.

For many sufferers of both adult acne and teenage acne, N-lite acne laser treatment has been revolutionary. Banishing acne results in a return in lost confidence levels of acne sufferers and a boost in self-esteem.

To book an appointment for a FREE consultation with one of our expert medical practitioners at the Manchester clinic, contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or book online.

At Skin Medical we only stock brands that we truly believe in. True Organic of Sweden is one of just three brands that we currently stock, alongside Obagi and Jan Marini. That’s because we won’t recommend anything to our patients that we wouldn’t use ourselves, and that couldn’t deliver the results you expect from your skincare range.

Products that you put on your skin are ultimately absorbed into the bloodstream, which is why it is essential to know exactly what is in your products. True Organic of Sweden are exactly what their name suggests – an organic skincare range, originating from Sweden. Using only the purest, certified-organic ingredients, their natural range promises to nourish and protect the skin.

All You Need Is Me is the revolutionary, intensive cream which has been described as a true alternative to Elizabeth Arden’s Eight-Hour Cream. 100% natural (with packaging even made from sugarcane!), the cream protects, soothes and hydrates. It can be used on dry, cracked skin and is even suitable for those suffering from eczema.

Undercover Agent is a natural unisex deodorant which is free from synthetic aluminium and alcohol. It has been claimed that manmade aluminium has associated links with a number of health scares and therefore True Organic of Sweden only use natural ingredients in their deodorant. The only non-natural ingredient is baking soda, making this deodorant 99% natural. Encased in beautiful glass packaging, this is perfect for those who are health-conscious or prefer a more natural deodorant.

Skin Medical is a proud stockist of True Organic of Sweden. We currently stock All You Need Is Me (available in 15ml or 50ml) and Undercover Agent at our Manchester clinic.

Visit us at 20 St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7HG or contact the clinic on 0161 839 7663 or info@skinmedical.co.uk to find out more.

Many women (and men) yearn for a life without shaving. No more ingrown hairs, irritable shaving rashes or nasty cuts to worry about. Whilst years ago this may have been a pipe-dream, new developments in the cosmetic industry mean that laser hair removal is now more affordable, accessible and effective than it has ever previously been.

Permanent hair removal can sound like a daunting prospect, however the benefits of this procedure can have some lifelong, not to mention astonishing benefits. If you are on the fence about laser hair removal, we have gathered the most commonly asked questions regarding the procedure, to give you a brief on everything you need to know about laser hair removal.

How Does Laser Hair Removal Work?

The science behind laser hair removal is simple yet incredibly effective. Lasers, used pulsed light to target, break down and then destroy the dark pigment, known as melanin, in the hair follicle. Although melanin is in both the skin and the hair, laser hair removal only targets the melanin in the hair, making it perfectly safe, when carried out by a qualified clinician.

Is Laser Hair Removal Better Than Waxing?

Laser hair removal produces much better results than waxing, threading or any other form of hair removal. For fewer (less painful) treatments, you can expect to cut out the monthly maintenance that is required with waxing, not to mention the awkward growth stage in between. Depending on your type of hair, just a few appointments can give you permanent results.

Is Laser Hair Removal Painful?

You may feel some slight discomfort with laser hair removal, however it is much more comfortable than other forms of hair removal, such as waxing and epilating. What’s more, one of the main benefits of laser hair removal is that it requires much less treatments, so once you have endured around six to eight sessions, you shouldn’t need to continue with treatment.

Can Anyone Have Laser Hair Removal?

Most skin types are responsive to laser hair removal, however it can be more difficult for darker skin tones.

This is because the laser attacks melanin in order to destroy the hair, however darker skin has higher levels of melanin making the process a little more complicated. Skin Medical use technology that has much higher success rates with darker skin than many other models currently being used in the industry. If you do have darker skin it is extremely important that you seek professional medical advice on your best course of treatment.

How Long Does it Take?

Depending on the area being treated, laser hair removal can take anything from 30 minutes to a few hours. Typically, the upper lip could take around 30 minutes, where as somewhere such as the legs will take just under two hours.

Following treatment, the hair should begin to shed within 10 to 14 days.

Is Laser Hair Removal Safe?

Although laser hair removal is a relatively safe procedure, it should only ever be carried out by a medical clinician. Many high street laser hair removal clinics do not meet the standards of excellence that can be expected at Skin Medical. Each practicing member of our staff has the medical knowledge and experience to ensure that you are in safe hands.

Botox, as an anti ageing treatment, is one of the most popular choices amongst both men and women in the UK for actively reducing fine lines and wrinkles. In the past, the main demographic for these treatments has been older women, however, the ever-increasing power of the media has seen younger people choosing to have the procedure.

With this growing trend there has been much debate over what age a person should start having Botox injections – But the answer is, it is different for each individual!

Whether you want to reverse deep wrinkles that have already developed, or prevent wrinkles from forming in the first instance, there are different products and methods that suit better

Botox, as well as dermal fillers, work excellently as a preventative measure, however it must be maintained in order to remain effective. Botox is temporary filler, which usually lasts for around 6 months. So if you choose to have the treatment in order to stop wrinkles from forming, you must continue to have the injections. Most men and women who choose to have Botox as a preventative measure are in their mid-twenties and will continue with the treatments, as they grow older.

Those who choose to have treatments earlier will find that the number of treatments needed will lessen, as the Botox prevents their muscles from forming creases and wrinkles, keeping their skin looking young and fresh.

Regardless of age, if you are considering Botox treatments, speak to one of our medically qualified practitioners based in Manchester. We can offer you informed advice on the right treatment options for you. Call us now on 0161 839 7663 or book an appointment in Manchester here.

Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director, is charged with leading a review of the cosmetic industry and the shoddy practises by some national providers and some less well-known clinics.

Some of the Improvements and Changes already identified include:

Tighter regulations of hospitals and clinics. It is true that some clinics are not properly registered with Care Quality Commission (CQC) and choose to have multiple names to give the patient the concept of choice when in fact they belong to the same commercial business, ensuring surgeons are properly qualified to perform treatments.

Most foreign qualifications are not of the same quality and rigour as those qualifications obtained in UK, however current legislation allows these doctors to practise in UK. Dermal fillers can be administred to the face by anyone! It is incredidible to believe that the legislation does not insist that these practitioners are not medically trained.

The advertising of cosmetic surgery is not strict enough to prevent ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ type promotions. Similarly, muscle relaxing injections such as Botox up until last month could be prescribed and administered without face to face consultations and be given by a nurse with only half a day’s training. Thankfully this issue has been addressed, but this was only as a result of BBC program exposure into the illegal practice.

So if you are considering vaser liposuction or varicose vein removal for cosmetic reasons you will be pleased to learn that Skin Medical in Manchester and Leeds only employ qualified and trained NHS personnel.

Skin Medical discusses the implications of the new rules that severely restricts where and when patients can have their Botox.

As of 23rd July 2012 you will need a prescription from a doctor or non medical prescribing nurse to have your Botox. This will typically impact upon those patients who currently get their Botox from a beauty salon or hairdresser as many of these mobile practitioners cannot prescribe or obtain Botox.

The best solution is to seek a reputable clinic which is registered with the Care Quality Commission such as Skin Medical with convenient city centre locations in Manchester and Leeds. At our clinics we employ doctors and non medical prescribing nurse practitioners qualified in consulting, prescribing and administering botox for: